Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes that it is only a matter of time before striker Robin van Persie regains his goalscoring form.

The Dutchman was strongly tipped to end the season as the Premier League's top scorer, but has recently only clinched one goal in his last 12 appearances for the Red Devils.

"He doesn't need a rest that's for sure, he's a strong lad with great physique," Ferguson said in a press conference. "The goals will come, all strikers have dry spells and you hope it ends quickly, it's part of being a striker."

The former Arsenal hitman could start in the Manchester derby on Monday.